MLK-SAC hosts several events to honor civil rights leader

Published: Monday, January 14, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 11, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

A liturgical dance concert, peace march, oratorical contest, gospel festival, health fair, holiday basketball classic and church service all in Thomasville over the course of four days will celebrate the life and legacy of one of America's greatest civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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The Martin Luther King Jr. Social Action Committee will host several events for the 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in Thomasville. For more information, call 476-7218 or go to www.mlksac.com:Friday: 12th MLK Liturgical Dance Concert and Arts Festival at 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church Life Center, 204 Turner St. Saturday: MLK Peace March at 11 a.m. starting at the parking lot of 803 Martin Luther King Drive; 12th Annual MLK Awards Dinner and Oratorical Contest at 6 p.m. at Rich Fork Baptist Church, 3993 Old U.S. Highway 29. Tickets are $30 and $15 for children under 12 years old.Sunday: MLK Invitational Dance Concert at 4 p.m. at T. Austin Finch Auditorium, 406 Unity St. Cost is $5.Jan. 21: MLK Community Health Fair at 9 a.m. at Thomasville Medical Center, open to the public at no charge; MLK Third Annual Holiday Classic between Thomasville and G.W. Carver high schools in the gymnasium at THS with the girls playing at 2 p.m. and boys at 4, admission is $5; MLK National Holiday Observance at 7 p.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville with the Dr. George B. Jackson, chairman of the Martin Luther King Social Action Committee and the founding pastor of the Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship, as the speaker.

"Everything is open to everybody across the region. It's not just a Thomasville event … it's a regional event. Come celebrate," said Dr. George B. Jackson, chairman of the Martin Luther King Social Action Committee and the founding pastor of the Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship.

The MLK-SAC adopted the theme "Clear Shining After Rain" to mark the 27th anniversary of the national holiday. Jackson said during the past 12 years there has been turmoil in the nation ranging from the debt crisis, fiscal cliff, housing bubble, Wall Street and other issues that have created a storm. He said U.S. President Barack Obama was dealing with all of those issues during his first term, and now during his second term, the nation is starting to come out of the storms.

"After rain there comes a time for rebirth, renewal and a better vision. There's clear shining after the rain. That's what happens after you come out of the storm," Jackson said.

Festivities begin Friday with a dance concert and arts festival at 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church Life Center, 204 Turner St. The free event will feature dance ministries from area churches and community groups interpreting King's legacy, Jackson said. He noted this is the 12th year for the program, and it's proven over the years to be a good event by the attendance.

A peace march at 11 a.m. will kick off the Saturday events. Participants are asked to meet at 803 Martin Luther King Drive and will walk to the amphitheater. Jackson noted that the march is a reenactment of the Civil Rights March in 1963. It will also feature the Thomasville High School Scarlet Regiment Band and a closing ceremony at the end.

Jackson invites everyone to come participate in the march. He said each year the crowd grows. This is the fifth year.

"People are starting to understand the symbolism of the march. It gives them a short feel for what the message was and the intent," Jackson said.

One of the highlight events of the weekend is the 12th Annual MLK Awards Dinner and Oratorical Contest at 6 p.m. at Rich Fork Baptist Church, 3993 Old U.S. Highway 29. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12 for the formal attire event. Tickets will be available at the door or by calling 476-7218.

The contest features students from the Triad competing for scholarships. Jackson said the public speaking contest was started to continue King's legacy and tradition of spoken word. He noted there are not many platforms for students to use their public-speaking gifts. The top eight winners will receive a monetary award starting with $2,000.

Dinner will also be served. At the event, the 2013 MLK Community Service Award will be presented to Vickie McKiver, director of Thomasville Parks and Recreation, and Freddie L. Gaither, director of My Brother's Keeper.

"We just want to say thank you to them for working behind the scenes," Jackson said.

The Gospel Festival is at 4 p.m. Sunday at the T. Austin Finch Auditorium, 406 Unity St. Tickets are $5. Jackson said the program will feature good old-fashioned songs.

On the national observance day, Jan. 21, the 10th Annual MLK Community Health Fair will be at Thomasville Medical Center at 9 a.m.

Jackson said residents from anywhere can attend and take advantage of the medical and pre-screening services that are worth hundreds of dollars. He invites people of all ages who don't have health care or adequate health care to stop by for the free check-ups.

Next will be the MLK Holiday Classic between Carver and Thomasville high schools in the gymnasium at THS, 410 Unity St. The girls and boys will both play to raise money for the MLK-SAC scholarship. Admission is $5. The girls tip off at 2 p.m. with the boys' game starting at 4 p.m.

The last event for the evening is at 7 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 106 Smith St. Jackson will be the keynote speaker.

This year the MLK-SAC is celebrating its 20th year promoting "social action for social change." Since 1993 the organization's goal has focused on the nonviolent elimination of injustice, discrimination, poverty and racism. The committee uses King's beloved community concept to make a difference in the community through peace, unity and understanding, Jackson said.

Outside of the MLK events, the organization hosts a Peace Conference in April and Ebony Festival in September.

Jackson said they will spend the year looking back on progress that the committee has made to carry out the mission of King.

"It's grateful to have reached the 20th year plateau," he said. "We realize we have a lot of work to do."

Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.

<p>A liturgical dance concert, peace march, oratorical contest, gospel festival, health fair, holiday basketball classic and church service all in Thomasville over the course of four days will celebrate the life and legacy of one of America's greatest civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.</p><p>"Everything is open to everybody across the region. It's not just a Thomasville event … it's a regional event. Come celebrate," said Dr. George B. Jackson, chairman of the Martin Luther King Social Action Committee and the founding pastor of the Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship.</p><p>The MLK-SAC adopted the theme "Clear Shining After Rain" to mark the 27th anniversary of the national holiday. Jackson said during the past 12 years there has been turmoil in the nation ranging from the debt crisis, fiscal cliff, housing bubble, Wall Street and other issues that have created a storm. He said U.S. President Barack Obama was dealing with all of those issues during his first term, and now during his second term, the nation is starting to come out of the storms.</p><p>"After rain there comes a time for rebirth, renewal and a better vision. There's clear shining after the rain. That's what happens after you come out of the storm," Jackson said. </p><p>Festivities begin Friday with a dance concert and arts festival at 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church Life Center, 204 Turner St. The free event will feature dance ministries from area churches and community groups interpreting King's legacy, Jackson said. He noted this is the 12th year for the program, and it's proven over the years to be a good event by the attendance.</p><p>A peace march at 11 a.m. will kick off the Saturday events. Participants are asked to meet at 803 Martin Luther King Drive and will walk to the amphitheater. Jackson noted that the march is a reenactment of the Civil Rights March in 1963. It will also feature the Thomasville High School Scarlet Regiment Band and a closing ceremony at the end.</p><p>Jackson invites everyone to come participate in the march. He said each year the crowd grows. This is the fifth year.</p><p>"People are starting to understand the symbolism of the march. It gives them a short feel for what the message was and the intent," Jackson said.</p><p>One of the highlight events of the weekend is the 12th Annual MLK Awards Dinner and Oratorical Contest at 6 p.m. at Rich Fork Baptist Church, 3993 Old U.S. Highway 29. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12 for the formal attire event. Tickets will be available at the door or by calling 476-7218. </p><p>The contest features students from the Triad competing for scholarships. Jackson said the public speaking contest was started to continue King's legacy and tradition of spoken word. He noted there are not many platforms for students to use their public-speaking gifts. The top eight winners will receive a monetary award starting with $2,000.</p><p>Dinner will also be served. At the event, the 2013 MLK Community Service Award will be presented to Vickie McKiver, director of Thomasville Parks and Recreation, and Freddie L. Gaither, director of My Brother's Keeper.</p><p>"We just want to say thank you to them for working behind the scenes," Jackson said.</p><p>The Gospel Festival is at 4 p.m. Sunday at the T. Austin Finch Auditorium, 406 Unity St. Tickets are $5. Jackson said the program will feature good old-fashioned songs.</p><p>On the national observance day, Jan. 21, the 10th Annual MLK Community Health Fair will be at Thomasville Medical Center at 9 a.m.</p><p>Jackson said residents from anywhere can attend and take advantage of the medical and pre-screening services that are worth hundreds of dollars. He invites people of all ages who don't have health care or adequate health care to stop by for the free check-ups.</p><p>Next will be the MLK Holiday Classic between Carver and Thomasville high schools in the gymnasium at THS, 410 Unity St. The girls and boys will both play to raise money for the MLK-SAC scholarship. Admission is $5. The girls tip off at 2 p.m. with the boys' game starting at 4 p.m.</p><p>The last event for the evening is at 7 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 106 Smith St. Jackson will be the keynote speaker.</p><p>This year the MLK-SAC is celebrating its 20th year promoting "social action for social change." Since 1993 the organization's goal has focused on the nonviolent elimination of injustice, discrimination, poverty and racism. The committee uses King's beloved community concept to make a difference in the community through peace, unity and understanding, Jackson said.</p><p>Outside of the MLK events, the organization hosts a Peace Conference in April and Ebony Festival in September.</p><p>Jackson said they will spend the year looking back on progress that the committee has made to carry out the mission of King. </p><p>"It's grateful to have reached the 20th year plateau," he said. "We realize we have a lot of work to do."</p><p>Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.</p>